500 Franc Morocco Silver Mohammed V of Morocco (1909 - 1961)

Mint Place: Paris

Denomination: 500 Francs Mint year: 1956 (AH1376)

Reference: Davenport 53, KM-54.

Material: Silver (.900) Weight: 22.48gm Diameter: 36mm

Obverse: Bust of Sultan Mohammed V. left, legends in kufic and french arround. Legend: MOHAMMED . V

Reverse: Crown within star, splitting bilingual date and denomination. Privy marks of the Paris mint below. Legend: 500 FRANCS / EMPIRE CHERIFIEN

Mohammed V (August 10, 1909 – February 26, 1961) was Sultan of Morocco from 1927 to 1953, exiled from 1953-55, where he was again recognized as Sultan upon his return, and King from 1957 to 1961. His full name was Sidi Mohammed ben Yusef, or Son of (Sultan) Yusef, upon whose death he succeeded to the throne. He was a member of the Alaouite Dynasty. On August 20, 1953, the French who were occupying Morocco at the time forced Mohammed V and his family into exile on Corsica. A relative of his, Mohammed Ben Aarafa, was placed on the throne. Mohammed V and his family were then transferred to Madagascar in January 1954. Mohammed V returned from exile on November 16, 1955, again recognized as Sultan after active opposition to the French protectorate. In February 1956 he successfully negotiated with France for the independence of Morocco, and in 1957 took the title of King.